SAN JUAN (AP).— Hurricane Ernesto was barreling toward Bermuda on Monday after leaving hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans without electricity or water amid stifling heat on the island, prompting concern about potential health risks.
Bermuda authorities have issued a hurricane warning for their territory, and Ernesto is expected to pass over or near the archipelago tomorrow.
As of yesterday afternoon, the Category 1 storm was located about 885 kilometers south-southwest of Bermuda. It had maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour and was moving north at 22 kph in open waters.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of all residents using this time to prepare. We have seen the devastating effects of complacency before,” warned Homeland Security Minister Michael Weeks.
Ernesto is forecast to become a Category 3 hurricane today, then weaken as it approaches Bermuda, where 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected, with up to 12 inches in isolated areas.
“All guidance shows this system as a major hurricane near Bermuda,” the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported.
Meanwhile, the storm generated southerly winds in Puerto Rico yesterday, which have a warming effect in contrast to the cooling trade winds blowing from the east.
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2024-08-22 15:53:09
